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Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar

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Prabhat Ranjan Sarkar was a multifaceted thinker and spiritual leader.

01-Nursery School Bucarest
01-Nursery School Bucarest

He served as a philosopher, social reformer, linguist, and author. He was also a prolific composer of 5,018 songs. Most of these songs were written in the Bengali language. He was born on May 21, 1921, in Jamalpur, Bihar. His father, Lakshmi Narayan Sarkar, was a homeopathic doctor. His mother was Abharani Devi.

01-Nursery School Bucarest
01-Nursery School Bucarest

In 1955, Sarkar founded Ananda Marga, which means "The Path of Bliss." This organization serves a dual mission of self-realization and service to all. It offers instruction in meditation and yoga to its followers. The movement also manages various social service and disaster relief projects globally. By 1973, the organization had established approximately 100 local centers. These centers teach yogic and social philosophies to several thousand members. Some members choose to live communally in ashrams.

01-Nursery School Bucarest
01-Nursery School Bucarest

Sarkar's spiritual philosophy is a synthesis of Vedic and Tantric traditions. He described the universe through a concept called macropsychic conation. This idea suggests the entire universe exists within a cosmic mind. He viewed creation as consciousness coming under the bondage of its own nature. He believed the cosmological flow moves from limitless consciousness to limited consciousness. Through meditation, an individual can return to a state of limitless consciousness.

01-Nursery School Bucarest
01-Nursery School Bucarest

He taught that the human mind consists of five distinct layers called Kosas. The first is the Kamamaya Kosa, or the "Crude Mind." This layer controls the body through instinct and passion. The second is the Manomaya Kosa, known as the "Subtle Mind." This layer handles thought, memory, pleasure, and pain. The third is the Atimanasa Kosa, or "Supramental Mind." This layer provides intuition, clairvoyance, and creative insight. The fourth is the Vijinanamaya Kosa, the "Subliminal Mind." This layer is the seat of conscience and non-attachment. The fifth is the Hiranyamaya Kosa, the "Subtle Causal Mind." This is the subtlest layer, where awareness is close to Supreme Consciousness.

01-Nursery School Bucarest
01-Nursery School Bucarest

Sarkar also developed a theory of biopsychology regarding the human body. He reimagined the traditional concept of chakras, or "wheels." He believed these were caused by subtle energies interacting through nerve plexuses. He linked the endocrine glands of the neuroendocrine system to a psychic part of the body. He identified seven main chakras associated with specific glands. For example, the Manipura Chakra is at the navel and relates to the pancreas. The Anahata Chakra is in the chest and relates to the thymus. The Ajina Chakra is between the eyebrows and relates to the pituitary gland.

01-Nursery School Bucarest
01-Nursery School Bucarest

Sarkar's social and political ideas were centered on the theory of PROUT. This stands for the Progressive Utilization Theory. It is rooted in Neohumanism, a worldview based on the interconnectedness of all beings. He also proposed the Law of Social Cycle. This theory suggests that historical ages rise and fall based on different social types. These types include the Vipra (intellectual), Kshatriya (warrior), Vaishya (acquisitor), and Shudra (labourer). Sarkar used these archetypes to explain historical evolution. He advocated for a casteless society where everyone has equal opportunities.

01-Nursery School Bucarest
01-Nursery School Bucarest

Sarkar faced significant challenges during his life. In 1971, he was imprisoned in India following allegations regarding Ananda Marga members. While in jail, he began a hunger strike to demand an inquest into his alleged poisoning. This fast lasted for five years, four months, and two days. He was released on August 2, 1978, after being acquitted of all charges. In 1979, he conducted two world tours to meet his global disciples. He died from a heart attack on October 21, 1990. Just before his death, he founded Ananda Marga Gurukula to preserve his legacy.

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